Winter Weather Updates - Jan & Feb 2026

As the Hickory area recovers from winter storms, the City of Hickory will update this page as any delays, closings, or cancellations occur due to inclement weather. For the latest City of Hickory updates, continue to check this page as well as the City’s Facebook page, City of Hickory, NC – Government, and the City X feed, @CityofHickory. As updates become available, the City will post the information and send out updates to the media.
 

OPERATIONAL UPDATES & SCHEDULE CHANGES

Update 2/5/26, 2 PM: Henry Fork River Park has been reopened.

Update 2/3/26, 1 PM: Mayor Hank Guess has lifted the state of emergency for the City of Hickory, originally declared in response to winter storms. The termination took effect at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Highland Recreation Center, Ridgeview Recreation Center, Brown Penn Recreation Center, and the Ceramics Studio will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday, Feb. 3. 

Neill Clark Recreation Park was reopened on Monday, Feb. 2. Southside Heights, Glenn Hilton, Hickory Optimist, Bruce Meisner, Kiwanis, and Civitan parks will reopen on Wednesday, Feb.4. Playgrounds in City parks and Hilton's boardwalk will remain closed with signage posted until the snow melts away and they are safe for park users. The Aviation Walk Trailhead, Riverwalk Trailhead, Riverwalk trail, Greenway, Geitner Park, and Hickory City Park remain closed.

Hickory Public Library is operating on a normal schedule.

Residential solid waste collection is running on schedule, but recycling collection services are running one day behind. Customers should set rollout carts at the curb at their usual time on their regular collection day and leave them out until service is completed. Yard waste collection is suspended.

Update 2/1/26, 9:30 AM: City crews are making steady progress clearing major thoroughfares and will begin moving into residential areas soon.

✅ Please move vehicles off the street so plows can service your neighborhood. Parked cars block plows and prevent entire streets from being treated. One vehicle can stop an entire neighborhood from being cleared. Please do your part to help crews keep roads safe and avoid damage to your vehicle.

✅ If you see plow blades raised, it means salt has been applied and crews are waiting for it to work before plowing packed snow and ice.

🚫 Avoid unnecessary travel to help crews work safely and efficiently. The more space and time they have, the faster roads can be cleared!

Update 1/29/26, 4:50 PM: Public Works Director Steve Miller shares important information regarding road clearing operations, preparations for the incoming storm, and solid waste collection updates. Watch the video to learn more.

Update 1/23/26, 6 PM: The City of Hickory has declared an official state of emergency effective at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, in response to a major winter storm. The emergency declaration activates the Hickory Emergency Operations Plan for all departments. The declaration also authorizes the City to apply for financial assistance, if needed, through state or federal agencies.

CITY PREPARATIONS & HELPFUL TIPS

Public Works

When winter weather is forecasted, the Street Division activates its snow policy and prepares its fleet of equipment. Crews work in 13-hour shifts throughout the storm to respond as conditions evolve.

• Brining: Crews apply brine to major roads, bridges, and overpasses 24 to 48 hours before the storm to prevent snow and ice from sticking and improve plowing effectiveness.
• Salting & Plowing: During storms, salt and sand are applied first to bridges and heavily traveled streets. Plowing begins when accumulation exceeds two inches.
• Priority Routes: During a snow event, the City is responsible for more than 750 lane miles of streets, including some NCDOT streets that the City of Hickory assists to maintain. Major thoroughfares, such as N.C. 127, Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, Tate Boulevard, and several more are cleared first, followed by minor thoroughfares. Crews only begin to clear residential streets when priority streets have been cleared. With low temperatures forecasted, hazardous conditions may persist beyond the storm.

Public Utilities

Temperatures in Hickory are expected to drop below freezing and may reach the low teens over the next several days. The City of Hickory’s Public Utilities Department is taking precautions to protect the water system and encourages residents to do the same to prevent costly damage from frozen pipes.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes:

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses and install covers on outdoor faucets.
• Keep garage doors closed to reduce exposure to cold air.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
• Locate and learn how to operate your water shut-off valve in case of an emergency.
• Wrap pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.
• Maintain a consistent indoor temperature day and night. Avoid lowering the thermostat overnight, as this increases the risk of frozen pipes. While it may raise heating costs temporarily, it can prevent expensive water damage and displacement from your home.
• Close windows near water pipes and cover open-air vents to reduce drafts.
• Set faucets to a slow drip during extreme cold, especially when temperatures remain below freezing throughout the day.

Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage, costly repairs, and even force residents out of their homes for extended periods. Taking these precautions now can help avoid serious issues later.

To report water line breaks or water issues, call the Public Utilities Department at 828-323-7427.

What Residents Should Do

• Stay Off the Roads: Avoid all non-essential travel once inclement weather begins. Clear roads allow emergency responders and City crews to work safely and reduce accidents.
• Prepare Your Home: Stock up on food, water, and medications for at least three days. Check flashlights and battery-powered radios in case of power outages. Protect your pipes from extreme cold using the tips above.
• Look Out for Neighbors: Check on elderly residents and those with special needs.
• Know Who to Call:  
  • Emergencies: 911
  • Non-emergency police: 828-328-5551
  • Snow/ice removal or solid waste: 828-323-7500
  • Public Utilities: 828-323-7427
  • Power outages: Report directly to your provider (Duke Energy: 800-POWERON / 800-777-9898)